Toy for rotating and aerially launching an object

ABSTRACT

A toy comprises a housing connected with a launcher to rotate and aerially launch a propeller in a launch direction. A direction controller is included to control the launch direction. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. After accelerating the object, the object is aerially launched from the launcher. The toy is also configured to aerially launch multiple objects simultaneously.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application, claimingthe benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,118,filed Jul. 14, 2005, entitled “Toy for Rotating and Launching anObject,” which is a non-provisional patent application claiming thebenefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/604,283, filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled “Wheel Spinning Launcher andWheel Toy.” The present application also claims the benefit of priorityof U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/730,080, filed Oct. 24, 2005,entitled, “Rotating Wheel/Propeller Toy.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching anobject, and more particularly to a launching mechanism for rotating andaerially launching an object.

(2) Description of Related Art

Toy launchers are well known in the art. Toys that accelerate and launchgliders, helicopters, cars, and parachutes are well documented. Onemethod of launching a toy is through a rotary motion, often utilizing agear system to turn a shaft that rotates the toy. Such toys have beenadapted as aerial launchers to aerially launch objects.

In some circumstances, it is desirable to be able to control thedirection of the launch. Additionally, existing launchers only include asingle launch mechanism.

Therefore, a need exists for a toy launcher with a cost-effectivelaunching mechanism built into the design of the toy that is capable ofaerially launching multiple objects and controlling the direction of thelaunch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations and fillsthe aforementioned needs by providing a toy for rotating and aeriallylaunching an object. The toy comprises a housing and a directioncontroller attached with the housing for controlling a launchingdirection of the launcher. A first launcher is operably connected withthe direction controller and pivotally connected with the housing. Thefirst launcher is configured to impart a rotary motion to an object. Thefirst launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage areceiving element. The receiving element is attached with an object toform a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages thereceiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in onedirection, after which the object is aerially launched from the firstlauncher in the launching direction. A launcher rotating system ismounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher. The launcherrotating system is configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.

The present invention further comprises a second launcher operablyconnected with the direction controller and extending from the housing.The second launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object.The second launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage areceiving element. The receiving element is attached with an object toform a drive connection, such that when the driving element engages thereceiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in onedirection, after which an object is aerially launched from both thefirst launcher and the second launcher.

The present invention further comprises a direction linkagedirectionally connecting the first and second launchers and furthercomprising a controller linkage connected with the direction controllerand the direction linkage. Using the direction controller causes thecontroller linkage to move the direction linkage and therebysimultaneously turn both the first and second launcher.

In another aspect, the driving element comprises two substantiallyhelical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft aboutan axis. The axis runs substantially parallel to and substantiallycentered in the shaft. The receiving element of the object is similarlyconfigured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward inparallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular tothe rotational motion of the object. The two substantially helical tabsof each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge thatruns parallel to the axis of the respective driving element andreceiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flushagainst the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connectionwhich allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receivingelement.

In yet another aspect, the launcher rotating system comprises a seriesof interconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable ofrotating the object.

In yet another aspect, the present invention further comprises an objectfor aerially launching from the launcher, wherein the object ispropeller formed to provide a lifting force upon rotation.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the presentinvention also comprises a method for forming and using the toydescribed herein.

For example, the method comprises acts of forming a housing; attaching adirection controller with the housing for controlling a launchingdirection of the launcher; operably connecting a first launcher with thedirection controller and pivotally connected with the housing, the firstlauncher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein thefirst launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage areceiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to forma drive connection, such that when the driving element engages thereceiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in onedirection, after which the object is aerially launched from the firstlauncher in the launching direction; and mounting a launcher rotatingsystem inside the housing and connected with the launcher, the launcherrotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed descriptions of the disclosedaspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the followingdrawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view illustration of a toy for rotating andaerially launching an object according to the present invention, showingpropellers attached with the toy;

FIG. 2 is another perspective-view illustration of a toy for rotatingand aerially launching an object according to the present invention,showing the propellers removed;

FIG. 3 is an interior-view illustration of the toy for rotating andaerially launching an object according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a driving element and a receiving elementaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching anobject, and more particularly to a launching mechanism for rotating andaerially launching an object. The following description, taken inconjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and toincorporate it in the context of particular applications. Variousmodifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications,will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generalprinciples, defined herein, may be applied to a wide range of aspects.Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspectspresented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore, it shouldbe noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures includedherein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale,as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of thepresent invention.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the presentinvention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limitedto these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in orderto avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents that arefiled concurrently with this specification and are open to publicinspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papersand documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the featuresdisclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims,abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state“means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing aspecific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step”clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. Inparticular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is notintended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction is providedto provide the reader with a general understanding of the presentinvention. Next, a description of various aspects of the presentinvention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details.

(1) Introduction

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and aeriallylaunching an object. More specifically, the present invention relates toa launcher that can control the direction of the launch and launchmultiple objects.

The launcher is formed to hold, rotate and release an object such as atoy propeller. A launcher with a pair of helical tabs extends from ashaft on the toy and interlocks with matching tabs on an object to mountthe object on the shaft. In one aspect, a removable gear rack is pulledto rotate a gear train in the toy, which in turn rotates the shaft andthe launcher, thereby rotating the object mounted to the launcher. Whenthe launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the tabs of the objectdisengage from the launcher, launching the object forward.

(2.1.1) Basic Operation

In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the toy 100 comprises a housing102, a direction controller 104, a launcher 106, and a launcher rotatingsystem (not illustrated) including a gear rack 108. The launcherrotating system is located inside the housing 102, and the launcherrotating system is drivingly connected with the gear rack 108 such thatwhen the gear rack 108 is inserted into a gear rack slot 109 and moved,the launcher rotating system translates the movement of the gear rack108 into a rotary motion. The launcher rotating system is then drivinglyconnected with the launcher 106. When an object such as a propeller 110is connected with the launcher 106, the launcher 106 rotationallyaccelerates the propeller 110 to create a lifting force great enough toaerially launch the propeller 110.

The toy 100 also includes a second launcher 106 so that two propellers110 can be aerially launched simultaneously. Additionally, using thedirection controller 104, a user can control the direction of thelaunchers 106 and the subsequent aerial launch of the propellers 110.FIG. 2 is a perspective-view showing the toy 100 and launchers 106without any propellers.

Although a gear rack 108 is shown in the aspect of FIG. 1, one skilledin the art will appreciate that the launcher rotating system cancomprise a motor or other manually operated mechanism to cause therotation of the launcher 106.

(2.1.2) Launcher Mechanism

The launcher functions to retain an object, rotate the object, andaerially launch the object. In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 3, thelauncher 106 includes an output axle 300 which is drivingly connectedwith the launcher rotating system 302. The launcher 106 further includesa driving element 304 for driving the propeller. The driving element 304comprises two identical helical tabs 306, which extend outward inparallel configuration from the output axle 300 about an axis, such thatthe axis is running parallel to and centered in the output axle 300. Theedges of each of the helical tabs 306 are formed into hook shapes.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the helical tabs 306 of the driving element 304are configured to interlock, as matching and interlocking shapes, withsimilar helical tabs 400 on a receiving element 402. The receivingelement 402 is connected with an object (e.g., propeller) to be rotated(not illustrated). In particular, the hook-shaped edges 404 of thedriving element 304 are configured to match up with the hook-shapededges 406 of the receiving element 402, forming an interlocking driveconnection. The interlocking drive connection allows a user to maintainthe interlocking drive connection between the driving element 304 andthe receiving element 402 when rotating the object.

Once the interlocking drive connection is made between the drivingelement 304 and the receiving element 402, the user can pull the gearrack (not illustrated) to rotate the driving element 304 and therebyrotate the object connected with the receiving element 402. When theuser pulls the gear rack to the point that it is no longer in contactwith the launcher rotating system, the launcher rotating system ceasesto accelerate the launcher and the driving element 304. Once the drivingelement 304 ceases to accelerate the receiving element 402, thereceiving element 402 disengages from the driving element 304 andreleases the object from the interlocking drive connection, after whichthe object becomes aerially launched. This is accomplished because oncethe launcher rotating system ceases to rotate the driving element 304,the rate of rotation of the driving element 304 decreases immediately.However, due to the object's inertia, the rotational velocity of thereceiving element 402 decreases more slowly, and the object andreceiving element rotate away from the driving element 304 and disengagefrom the interlocking drive connection.

Due to the design of the launcher and specifically the helical tabs 306of the driving element 304, the rotation of the launcher will impart arotation to the receiving element 402 only if rotated in a clockwisedirection. If the launcher is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction,the hook-shaped edges 404 of the driving element will rotate away fromthe hook-shaped edges 400 of the receiving element 402 and disengage theinterlocking drive connection without imparting any rotational motion tothe receiving element 402.

In the aspect where the object is a propeller, the receiving element 402is connected with the center of the propeller.

(2.1.3) Launcher Rotating System

As shown in FIG. 3, the launcher rotating system 302 comprises a seriesof interconnected gears and axles to impart a rotary motion to thelauncher 106. In one aspect, the launcher rotating system 106 comprisesan input axle 308 with an input pinion 310 and an input gear 312, wherethe input pinion 308 is drivingly connected with a gear rack. Thelauncher rotating system 302 further comprises an output axle 300 withan output gear 314, where the output gear 314 is drivingly connectedwith the input gear 312, and where the output axle 300 is connected withthe launcher 106 and the driving element 304.

Additionally, the present invention includes two launchers 106. Aninterconnector axle 318 is included in the gear system 302. Theinterconnector axle 318 is connected between the two output gears 314and operably connects the output gears 314 with the input gear 312.Inclusion of the interconnector axle 318 allows a user to simultaneouslyrotating the driving element 304 of two launchers 106 and therebysimultaneously launch two propellers.

The gear rack (shown in FIG. 1) is movably mounted in a guideway 316 inthe housing 102. The gear rack further comprises a handle for a user toeasily grip and pull the gear rack.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that by changing the radius ofthe interconnected gears and input pinions of the launcher rotatingsystem, a desired input-to-output gear ratio can be achieved. Forexample, the radius of the gears and pinions can be reduced to providefor a faster rotation output to the launcher, due to the fact that agiven movement of the gear rack produces more revolutions of the gearsand input pinions than are produced with a greater radius of the gearsand input pinions.

Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the gearmechanism described herein is for illustrative purposes and theinvention is not intended to be limited thereto, as other gearmechanisms can be envisioned for spinning the toy wheel.

(2.1.4) Directional Control

When the propellers are launched, they are launched in a launchingdirection. In order to control the launching direction, a directioncontroller 104 is attached with the housing for controlling thelaunching direction. The direction controller 104 operates as a handleor joystick that allows a user to turn the launchers 106 by moving thehandle around. A direction linkage 320 directionally connects the twolaunchers 106. Additionally, a controller linkage 322 connects thedirection controller 104 and the direction linkage 320. Furthermore, thelaunchers 106 are pivotally connected with the housing, such that usingthe direction controller 104 causes the controller linkage 322 to movethe direction linkage 320 and thereby simultaneously turn both of thelaunchers 106. By turning the launchers 106, a user can control theirlaunching direction.

1. A toy for rotating and aerially launching an object, comprising: ahousing; a direction controller attached with the housing forcontrolling a launching direction of the launcher; a first launcheroperably connected with the direction controller and pivotally connectedwith the housing, the first launcher configured to impart a rotarymotion to an object, wherein the first launcher comprises a drivingelement configured to engage a receiving element, the receiving elementattached with an object to form a drive connection, such that when thedriving element engages the receiving element, the object isrotationally accelerated in one direction, after which the object isaerially launched from the first launcher in the launching direction;and a launcher rotating system mounted inside the housing and connectedwith the launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart arotary motion to the launcher.
 2. The toy as set forth in claim 1,further comprising a second launcher operably connected with thedirection controller and extending from the housing, the second launcherconfigured to impart a rotary motion to an object, wherein the secondlauncher comprises a driving element configured to engage a receivingelement, the receiving element attached with an object to form a driveconnection, such that when the driving element engages the receivingelement, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, afterwhich an object is aerially launched from both the first launcher andthe second launcher.
 3. The toy as set forth in claim 2, furthercomprising a direction linkage directionally connecting the first andsecond launchers and further comprising a controller linkage connectedwith the direction controller and the direction linkage, such that usingthe direction controller causes the controller linkage to move thedirection linkage and thereby simultaneously turn both the first andsecond launcher.
 4. The toy as set forth in claim 3, wherein the drivingelement comprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallelconfiguration from the shaft about an axis, the axis runningsubstantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, andwherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured withtwo substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallelconfiguration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to therotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantiallyhelical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has anedge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving elementand receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element restsflush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a driveconnection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotatethe receiving element.
 5. The toy as set forth in claim 4, wherein thelauncher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears andaxles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the object.
 6. The toy asset forth in claim 5, further comprising an object for aeriallylaunching from the launcher, wherein the object is propeller formed toprovide a lifting force upon rotation.
 7. The toy as set forth in claim1, further comprising a direction linkage directionally connecting thefirst and second launchers and further comprising a controller linkageconnected with the direction controller and the direction linkage, suchthat using the direction controller causes the controller linkage tomove the direction linkage and thereby simultaneously turn both thefirst and second launcher.
 8. The toy as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extendingin a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axisrunning substantially parallel to and substantially centered in theshaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarlyconfigured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward inparallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular tothe rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantiallyhelical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has anedge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving elementand receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element restsflush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a driveconnection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotatethe receiving element.
 9. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein thelauncher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gears andaxles, the gears and axles capable of rotating the object.
 10. The toyas set forth in claim 1, further comprising an object for aeriallylaunching from the launcher, wherein the object is propeller formed toprovide a lifting force upon rotation.
 11. A method for forming a toyfor rotating and aerially launching an object, the method comprisingacts of: forming a housing; attaching a direction controller with thehousing for controlling a launching direction of the launcher; operablyconnecting a first launcher with the direction controller and pivotallyconnected with the housing, the first launcher configured to impart arotary motion to an object, wherein the first launcher comprises adriving element configured to engage a receiving element, the receivingelement attached with an object to form a drive connection, such thatwhen the driving element engages the receiving element, the object isrotationally accelerated in one direction, after which the object isaerially launched from the first launcher in the launching direction;and mounting a launcher rotating system inside the housing and connectedwith the launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart arotary motion to the launcher.